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What Causes Muscle Cramping Of Arms And Legs With History Of Pinched Nerve?
Question: About 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with 2 pinched nerves around the 8th cervical vertebrae. It was causing much discomfort and stiffness while driving, as well as some atrophy in the right pectoral and biceps muscle. I opted for the gym to balance out the muscles, and the extreme stiffness and weakness went away. Since around that time, I have experienced a type of muscle cramping I am concerned about. It does not occur during workouts or when I stretch a muscle. It seems to be related to bending a joint inwards. For instance, If I bend my wrist downwards, I can get the inner forearm muscle to want to freeze up and cramp. Ditto for trying to scratch the middle of my back. I mostly feel this in arms and even hands. Is this a common symptom of nerve pinch? My potassium levels are okay. Are there other dangerous medical conditions this might be related to? I never used to get these.
Brief Answer:
Cramps, carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome.
Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for your question.
Cramps are very common although more common in the legs than the arms.
You are right in that if you are getting recurrent cramps that are new it would be important for your Dr to do some blood work to ensure that the levels of potassium, sodium, calcium and other substances in the blood are at satisfactory levels. You Dr may also want to test the function of your thyroid and parathyroid gland with blood work.
Another cause of cramping in the arms and hands with numbness in the hands particularly on the thumb side of the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist. The ulna nerve can be compressed at the elbow so called cubital tunnel syndrome. This diagnosis can be made on physical assessment and with nerve conduction studies.
It is possible that the cramping you are experiencing is due to previous nerve damage from your cervical disc prolapse. If this is the case strengthening and stretching of the affected muscles can be of benefit. Quinine sulphate found in tonic water and in specific tablets/pills can be of benefit.
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes
Cramps, carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome.
Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for your question.
Cramps are very common although more common in the legs than the arms.
You are right in that if you are getting recurrent cramps that are new it would be important for your Dr to do some blood work to ensure that the levels of potassium, sodium, calcium and other substances in the blood are at satisfactory levels. You Dr may also want to test the function of your thyroid and parathyroid gland with blood work.
Another cause of cramping in the arms and hands with numbness in the hands particularly on the thumb side of the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist. The ulna nerve can be compressed at the elbow so called cubital tunnel syndrome. This diagnosis can be made on physical assessment and with nerve conduction studies.
It is possible that the cramping you are experiencing is due to previous nerve damage from your cervical disc prolapse. If this is the case strengthening and stretching of the affected muscles can be of benefit. Quinine sulphate found in tonic water and in specific tablets/pills can be of benefit.
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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